When our family moved to California from Maryland, we knew that one of the primary ways that we could save money was by finding an affordable place to live. We planned on having more children, so that meant fitting a lot of people in a small space. When Brad saw our house, he knew it […]
Archive for the ‘Fun’ Category
Posted in 
Our White, Tan, & Turquoise Bathroom
March 21st, 2014 
Jessica When we moved into our house in September 2011, our youth ministry committee was kind enough to prepare it for us. They spackled, sanded, sprayed, and painted our entire house white. Later that week they helped Brad and I paint 5 of the 6 rooms a solid color. However, the bathroom linoleum and plumbing were […]
The Gift of Curtains: Our Master Bedroom & Dining Room
March 8th, 2014 Jessica Last year for Christmas (2012) my father-in-law gave Brad and I curtains and curtain rods for our living room, and then helped us install them. It may amuse some of you to know that we’d been living in our house for 1 1/2 years, and still didn’t have curtains anywhere but in the kids’ room. […]
23 Books I Read in 2013
February 3rd, 2014 Jessica Do you like to read? I love to read, and it’s one of my favorite ways to spend my “free” time. A year and a half ago when I made six goals, I couldn’t believe that I finished 3 books in 3 weeks. I’ve come a long way in goal-setting since then, and I’ve become […]
A Pumpkin Story
November 15th, 2013 Jessica Once upon a time a young wife bought two pumpkins, one for a Halloween costume, and the other to cook. A Frightfully Frugal Halloween How to Cook a Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin One year later, her parents decided to buy her three very large pumpkins from the Pumpkin Patch. Most of those pumpkins ended up on the […]
Five Years of Frugal Halloweens
November 5th, 2013 Jessica Today I thought it would be fun to take a look back at 5 years of frugal Halloweens. Did you know that Americans spend $8 billion in Halloween holiday outlay each year, making it second only to Christmas? That’s $80 per family on decorations, costumes, and candy! Naomi was born in 2009, and we’ve been […]
All Things Pumpkin
October 31st, 2013 Jessica Yesterday our family took our annual trip to the Pumpkin Farm (which has free admission!) where we enjoyed a petting zoo, hay bales, trampolines, slides, climbing, tractors, trains, and of course…pumpkins. As you can tell, the kids had a great time. Naomi had SUCH a great time that she cried when it was time to […]
15 Frugal Activities for Autumn
September 11th, 2013 Jessica I love Autumn! I love every season, but there is a special place in my heart for the sights and smells of Autumn. Here are a few links to my favorite Autumn activities: 1. Create an Autumn Window Collage. 2. Make Leaf Rubbings. 3. Arrange some Inexpensive Autumn Decor. 4. Create 3 Jack-O-Lantern Crafts with […]
Book Review: Pocket Your Dollars
September 5th, 2013 Jessica If you’re wondering when I’m going to get tired of reading financial self-help books, you’re in good company! However, I do still enjoy financial literature for inspiration and encouragement. Pocket Your Dollars: 5 Attitude Changes That Will Help You Pay Down Debt, Avoid Financial Stress, & Keep More of What You Make by Carrie Rocha […]
A Painted Box for Kristy’s Birthday
August 29th, 2013 Jessica My sister’s birthday and anniversary are the same week, so this year I decided to do something special for her and her husband. I found a large unfinished box in our garage that had moved with us many times over the years. I penciled in the words using Calligraphy and a ruler. Then I carved […]
